Dear Scouters and Volunteers,
As we continue our work to enhance the traditions of Scouting here in the 21st Century and augment the privacy and safety of our membership, the Mayflower Council will soon look to move most membership functions online. Long story short, the days of youth paper-based membership applications are coming to an end.
Our goal is to simplify Scouting for leaders and to drive usage of the BSA Online Registration System (rather than the old paper-based membership applications process). There are numerous benefits to using the online system, including:
- Registration is immediate. Youth will show up in Scoutbook within 24 hours and Scout Life magazine subscriptions begin sooner.
- Data entry is more accurate; details are input by the parent directly.
- Personal information, including address, date of birth, and email address, is input directly by the parent and not viewable by others.
For these and other reasons, the online system is vastly superior to the old paper-based application process. Additionally, since August of last year, 50% of registration has moved to the online system, with the remaining still being handled the ‘old way’. Because of the many benefits of its use, we want to drive towards 100% adoption of online registration. With this in mind, the following change will become effective August 1, 2022: Youth applications are to be completed and submitted using the BSA Online Registration System.
However, as we understand this will be a big transition for many Scouters, we will work to mitigate any concerns in real-time. Detailed information and support for using the BSA Online Registration System can be found here: www.scouting.org/resources/online-registration, training video links are below and our Mayflower Council Membership & Unit Service team is available to assist you with using the system if you need further assistance. Also keep an eye on your email and the online calendar at MayflowerBSA.org. There you will find information and upcoming training opportunities.
Again, we know that some will recognize this as a major change to their routines. However, we all know that a Scout is Brave (and Cheerful).
Thanks again for your leadership to your Scouting unit. Please reach out to us if you have any questions or join us during our upcoming Live Office Hours where we can answer all your questions.
Yours in Scouting, Mayflower Council Membership & Unit Service Team
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